'Realizing National Prosperity through Industry' Kim Sang-ha, Honorary Chairman of Samyang, Passes Away

Driving Entry into the Chemical Sector to Establish Growth Momentum for the Group
Striving for Talent Development with a Life Like a 'Warm Southern Hill'
Served as Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 12 Years, Setting the Record as the Longest-Serving Chairman

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] Kim Sang-ha, Honorary Chairman of Samyang Group, known as the "Virtuous Elder of the Industry" (photo), passed away on the 20th due to old age at the age of 95.

Born in 1926 as the fifth son among seven sons and six daughters of Kim Yeon-su, the founder of Samyang Group, the late chairman is recognized as a key figure who led the growth of Samyang Group following his older brother, Honorary Chairman Kim Sang-hong.

Born in Seoul in 1926, he graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in Political Science and joined Samyang Corporation in 1949. In 1952, he was dispatched as a resident officer to Japan, securing the technology and manpower necessary for the sugar business. After returning to Korea the following year, he lived with on-site workers in a makeshift lodging made of tin slate while dedicating himself to the construction of the Ulsan sugar factory. Known as a management figure who valued the field above all, his philosophy was that the foundation of manufacturing is to "produce quality products and supply them in a timely manner."

He is especially credited with leading Samyang Corporation's entry into the chemical sector, which became a growth engine for the group. During his tenure as president and chairman of Samyang Corporation, he expanded the business portfolio of Samyang Group into food and chemical materials by entering the terephthalic acid (TPA) market, a raw material for polyester fibers, engineering plastics, and starch and starch syrup businesses. After becoming president in 1975, he consistently attended factory expansion meetings, emphasizing technology development and facility improvement, playing a pivotal role in Samyang Corporation's rise as the largest polyester company in Korea. Upon assuming the chairmanship of Samyang Group in 1996, he devoted himself to discovering future growth engines such as packaging and pharmaceutical bio sectors.

His pen name was Namgo (南皐). Pursuing a life like a "warm southern hill," even during the financial crisis when management deteriorated, he refused to conduct workforce restructuring, stating, "We cannot recklessly dismiss employees just because the business environment has temporarily worsened." He reportedly said at the time, "I bear the greatest responsibility in the company" and "I reflect three times a day."

He also focused on nurturing talent. In 2010, he was appointed chairman of the Yang Young Foundation, Sudang Foundation, and Haseo Academic Foundation. In his 2015 memoir, "The Path Walked Silently," he reflected, "Business is about realizing industrial patriotism through manufacturing. To achieve that goal, we must strive for technology development and talent cultivation. Otherwise, not only is the continuity of the company at risk, but it may also negatively impact the national economy."

He contributed to the development of the domestic refining industry as well. He served as president of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, president of the Korea Basketball Association, co-chairman of the Second National Construction Promotion Committee, president of the Korea-Japan Economic Association, and president of the Environmental Conservation Association, among other leadership roles. Notably, he served as president of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 12 years from 1988 to 2000, setting a record as the longest-serving president. As president of the Korea-Japan Economic Council, he acted as a bridge for economic exchanges between the two countries. From 1985, he led the Korea Basketball Association for 12 years. The professional basketball league was launched in 1996 while Kim was president of the Basketball Association. In recognition of his contributions, he received honors such as the Order of Industrial Service Merit, the Order of the Mugunghwa, and the Proud Jeonbuk Citizen Award during his lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Park Sang-rye, and two sons: Won (Vice Chairman of Samyang Corporation) and Jeong (Vice Chairman of Samyang Packaging). The funeral is being held at Seoul Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall, Room 20, with the funeral procession scheduled for 8:20 a.m. on the 22nd.